Prognostic Role of Preoperative Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) in Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) for Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis Patients

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion has been proposed as a simple and reproducible parameter for quantitative assessment of the right ventricular ejection fraction. The prognostic importance of preoperative TAPSE in patients with mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral stenosis patients is still under focused. Therefore, the objective of the study was to predict the outcome after MVR in rheumatic mitral stenosis patients in relation to preoperative TAPSE. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute. A total of 72 patients of rheumatic mitral stenosis patients who underwent mitral valve replacement were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: Group A and B. Group A included 36 patients with TAPSE 0.05) except for the preoperative TAPSE. Mean TAPSE of Group A was 13.17 (±1.40) and Group B was 18.61 (±1.57), the difference was statistically significant (p 0.05). Among the postoperative complications, including postoperative atrial fibrillation was higher in Group A (30.56%) than Group B (11.11%), mean ventilation time was higher in Group A (27.78%) than Group B (5.56%), length of intensive care was higher in Group A (33.33%) than Group B (11.12%), and hospital stay was higher in Group A (25.0%) than Group B (5.56%), (p < 0.05). Higher preoperative TASPE could be used as a prognostic tool for MVR in rheumatic mitral stenosis patients in our settings.

A case of post traumatic mitral chordae rupture mimicking acute respiratory distress syndrome

Traumatic mitral chordae rupture is a rare and known cause of acute mitral valve regurgitation and de novo heart failure.Concomitant pathologies in a trauma patient may mask the findings of de novo heart failure due to mitral chordae rupture.Trauma patients may also have other potential pre-diagnoses that could explain symptoms related to heart failure,such as tachycardia,circulatory shock,and acute hypoxemia.The possibility of traumatic chordae tendinea rupture being a preventable cause of mortality should be carefully evaluated.

Evaluation of mitral chordae tendineae length using four-dimensional computed

BACKGROUND Mitral valvuloplasty using artificial chordae tendineae represents an effective surgical approach for treating mitral regurgitation.Achieving precise measurements of artificial chordae tendineae length(CL)is an important factor in the procedure;however,no objective index currently exists to facilitate this measurement.Therefore,preoperative assessment of CL is critical for surgical planning and support.Four-dimensional x-ray micro-computed tomography(4D-CT)may be useful for accurate CL measurement considering that it allows for dynamic three-dimensional(3D)evaluation compared to that with transthoracic echocardiography,a conventional inspection method.AIM To investigate the behavior and length of mitral chordae tendineae during systole using 4D-CT.METHODS Eleven adults aged>70 years without mitral valve disease were evaluated.A 64-slice CT scanner was used to capture 20 phases in the cardiac cycle in electrocardiographic synchronization.The length of the primary chordae tendineae was measured from early systole to early diastole using the 3D image.The primary chordae tendineae originating from the anterior papillary muscle and attached to the A1-2 region and those from the posterior papillary muscle and attached to the A2-3 region were designated as cA and cP,respectively.The behavior and maximum lengths[cA(ma),cP(max)]were compared,and the correlation with body surface area(BSA)was evaluated.RESULTS In all cases,the mitral anterior leaflet chordae tendineae could be measured.In most cases,the cA and cP chordae tendineae could be measured visually.The mean cA(max)and cP(max)were 20.2 mm±1.95 mm and 23.5 mm±4.06 mm,respectively.cP(max)was significantly longer.The correlation coefficients(r)with BSA were 0.60 and 0.78 for cA(max)and cP(max),respectively.Both cA and cP exhibited constant variation in CL during systole,with a maximum 1.16-fold increase in cA and a 1.23-fold increase in cP from early to mid-systole.For cP,CL reached a plateau at 15%and remained elongated until end-systole,whereas for cA,after peaking at 15%,CL shortened slightly and then moved toward its peak again as end-systole approached.CONCLUSION The study suggests that 4D-CT is a valuable tool for accurate measurement of both the length and behavior of chordae tendineae within the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve.

Unroofed coronary sinus,left-sided superior vena cava and mitral insufficiency:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Unroofed coronary sinus(UCS)is a rare subtype of atrial septal defect.It is frequently associated with a persistent left superior vena cava and is often part of a more intricate cardiac malformation.CASE SUMMARY This report describes a rare case of an adolescent patient with UCS featuring atrial situs solitus,absence of the right superior vena cava and a persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium consistent with total unroofing of the coronary sinus.This was associated with concurrent severe mitral insufficiency secondary to redundant and prolapsing leaflets,and a substantial left-to-right shunt across the coronary sinus orifice.A comprehensive examination of the existing literature is included,shedding light on the diagnostic challenges of UCS and describing the available surgical options within the context of mitral valve surgery.CONCLUSION UCS is a complex condition requiring careful consideration of associated anomalies and a tailored surgical approach.

In-Hospital Outcomes in Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery: First Results in a Brazilian Single Center

Introduction: Treatments for cardiovascular diseases have increasingly evolved with the tendency to offer minimally invasive or transcatheter procedures instead of conventional sternotomy surgery. In this context, we highlight minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS), which has been shown to be an increasingly solid option with some superior results when compared to the conventional technique: better pain control, shorter hospital stays, shorter recovery time, shorter readmission rate in the first postoperative year, better aesthetic results, and lower overall cost. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the stages of MIMVS, by primary mitral valve consultation, in our service and compare these results with data from the literature. Methods: All electronic medical records of patients who underwent MIMVS for primary mitral valve injury in the Encore Hospital from January 2020 to February 2023 were analyzed. Tabulation and statistical analysis were performed using the Microsoft Excel® program. Quantitative variables were presented as means, standard deviations. Results: 46 patients were enrolled in our study (Age: 59.1 ± 12.4 years old;60.8% Female, BMI: 26 ± 4.4 Kg/m2, Low risk STS score: 82.6%). The observed 30-day mortality was 2.1%, plastic rate of 23.9%, blood transfusion rate of 41.3%, length of stay in an intensive care bed (ICB) of 3.3 ± 3.3 days and hospital stay of 6.4 ± 5.1 days. Conclusions: We noticed that the MIMVS results carried out in our service agree with data from national and international literature with approximately 1.3 days more hospitalization in ICB.

Anterior Mitral Valve Orifice in a Dog

The patient was admitted to OndokuzMayıs University Animal Hospital Internal Medicine outpatient clinic with complaints of epileptic seizures and hypothyroidism. A description of the patient’s owner is available in the history information. There was no physician information. Bradycardia was found in the electrocardiography of the patient. 2-D, M-Mode, PW, CW and Color doppler examinations were performed. Left-ventricular hypokinetic and mitral and tricuspidal valve movements were observed with limited M-Mode imaging. Anterior mitral orifice of 2 mm width was detected on septal mitral valve by PW doppler and color doppler. With this orifice, the presence of regurgitant jet, which covers LA at a rate of 1/3 and was 3.2 m/sec, together with mitral regurgitation (0.5 m/sec.), was demonstrated. PISA calculations;VFR (mL/s), ERO (mm2) and RVol (mL/pulse) values were calculated as if there were mitral regurgitation and data were obtained for mild-moderate mitral regurgitation. Therefore, no operative treatment of the orifice was recommended. Mitral valve orifice is a rare pathology and this is the first report in canine veterinary practice with degenerative mitral valve disorder. We aimed to underline the possibility of mitral orifice development in degenerative mitral valve disorders, known to present with vegetations and varying degrees of prolapsus, conventionally.

Predictors of Complications during Percutaneous Multitrack Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty

Background: Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty is the main procedure in mitral stenosis (MS). It can replace surgical commissurotomy in many cases;however, mitral regurgitation (MR) remains the major procedure complication. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate predictors of MR as a complication followingpercutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV) using multitrack balloon technique. Methods: This cohort study was conducted at both Menoufia University Hospital and Mabaret Misr Elkadima Hospital. We enrolled 121 patients with moderate to severe MS who were subjected to PMV using multitrack balloon technique during the period from October 2017 to October 2019. Transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation was performed for all patients before and after the procedure. Patients who developed severe MR post procedure were compared with other patients to identify important distinction points. Results: Most patients (N = 109, 90.1%) developed no/mild MR (group A), whereas 12 (9.9%) patients developed severe MR (group B) after PMV. Those who developed severe MR had significantly higher weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area (P value < 0.001 for each). Also, there was a significant difference between both groups regarding pre-operative Wilkins score (8.7 ± 1.3 for severe MR versus 7.9 ± 1.2 for No/Mild MR, P = 0.046). Patients who developed severe MR had higher incidence of other valvular lesions such as mild aortic regurgitation (91.7% versus 36.7%, P < 0.001), higher mitral valve (MV) commissural calcification (50.0% versus 14.7%, P = 0.008), pre-operative MR (100.0% versus 35.8%, P < 0.001), higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (100.0% versus 38.5%, P < 0.001). Regarding balloon sizing, it was significantly higher among patients who developed severe MR compared with those having mild or no MR (P = 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis identified MV balloon sizing (OR 3.877, CI 95% 1.131 - 13.289, P = 0.031) and MV commissural asymmetry of calcification (OR 67.48, CI 95% 5.759 - 790.72, P = 0.001) as significant predictors of outcomes of MV commissurotomy. Conclusion: Mitral valve calcification, balloon sizing, and MV asymmetry are significant factors that can predict the development of MR after balloon valvuloplasty.

Mitral Valve Surgery for Functional Regurgitation: Insights into Heart Failure and Readmission

Background: Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is an increasing burden as population ages. Mitral valve repair (MVr) is the preferred surgical treatment of FMR despite limited evidence supporting its efficacy. Mitral valve replacement (MVR) is the alternative procedure typically reserved for patients who are at higher risk or refractory to MVr. The present study aims to determine which of the two procedures is more effective in the surgical treatment of FMR. Methods: 344 charts of FMR patients who received either MVr (n = 263) or MVR (n = 81) from 2004-2016 at our institution were reviewed. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on heart failure (HF)-readmission and survival rates within 5 years from discharge. Propensity score approach with inverse probability weighting and Cox regression models were employed to evaluate procedural impact on survival and rehospitalizations, respectively. Follow-up echocardiographic data from the original cohort was assessed for differences in metrics between procedural groups at >6 months (MVr: n = 75;MVR: n = 23) and 1 year (MVr: n = 75;MVR: n = 18) post-op. Results: MVR patients had a lower risk of being readmitted for HF within 5 years compared to the MVr group (HR-adj (95% CI): 0.60 (0.41 - 0.88), p = 0.008). MVR patients also had a higher overall risk of death (HR-adj (95% CI): 1.82 (1.05 - 3.16), p = 0.034) but this was borderline significantly different at 5 years cut-off (p = 0.057). Conclusions: Higher HF readmission in MVr patients than in sicker, higher surgical-risk MVR patients reflects the inadequacy of MVr to treat FMR. Novel approaches to MVR may be necessary to adequately manage FMR.

Rheumatic Mitral Valvulitis with a “Giant Vegetation”—A Case Report

Infective endocarditis (IE) is the infection of inner endothelial layer of the heart including the heart valves and it may present as rapidly progressive or manifest itself as subacute or chronic disease. The epidemiology of infective endocarditis has been changed over the past few decades and the incidence of IE in children in United States and Canada is 1 in 1250 pediatric hospital admissions in the early 1980s. At least 70% of infective endocarditis in children occurs with congenital heart disease whereas rheumatic heart disease in southern states of India and the degenerative mitral valve disease (myxomatous, mitral valve prolapse) in the western countries are the most underlying predisposing conditions to infective endocarditis in adolescents. The characteristic lesion of infective endocarditis is “vegetation” and a “large” vegetation >10 mm in size has been reported with an incidence of 15.9% - 62.5% in patients. The significance of vegetation size has been a subject of discussion for many years to predict the embolic episodes. Background of this case study illustrated the varying size and shape of giant vegetation attached to the anterior leaflet of mitral valve in an underlying rheumatic mitral valvulitis and its consequence of valve damage such as chordal rupture, flail leaflet and mitral regurgitation with a description of anatomic features and echocardiographic manifestations in a 10-year-old female child.

CHANGES OF PLASMA ENDOTHELIN CONCENTRATIONS BEFORE AND AFTER PERCUTANEOUS BALLOON MITRAL VALVULOPLASTY IN PATIENTS WITH MITRAL STENOSIS

Plasma concentrations of endothelin in bloor from the femoral vein and the antecubital vein were measured in 35 patients with mitral stenosis and heart failure before and after percutaneous balloon mitralvalvuloplasty(PBMV). The basal plasma concentrations of endothelin in blood from the antecubirtal vein in the patients were significantly higher than those in 32 control subjects (15. 40± 3. 32 vs. 9. 59± 2. 66 pg/ml, P<0. 001). Plasma endothelin concentrations in patients in New York Heart Association functional classes Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly higher than those in control subjects, respectively. The concentrations of endothelin in patients with atrial fibrillation were also significantly higher than those in patients with normal sinus rhythm. Ten to fifteen minutes after PBMV, plasma endothelin concentrations in blood from the femoral vein significantly decreased from 16. 14 ± 3. 34 to 13. 74 ± 3. 78 pg/ml (P<0. 01 ). Seventy-two hours after the procedure, the concentrations of endothelin in blood from the antecubital vein had fallen to 12. 31 ± 2. 55 pg/ml (P<0. 001 vs. before PBMV and control subjects). Plasma endothelin concentrations still tended to be higher in patients with atrial fibrillation than those in normal sinus rhythm, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. There were weak but significantly correlations of plasma endothe lin concentrations with the mean left atrial pressure (r= 0. 424 , P < 0.001 ), mean right atrial pressure (r=0. 323, P<0. 01), mean transmitral pressure gradient (r= 0. 397, P<0. 001), heart rate (r= 0. 350,P<0. 005)and mitral valve area (r=-0. 454, P<0. 001) in the patients before and after PBMV.

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation using a novel system:preclinical results

Background This preclinical study in sheep sought to demonstrate the initial safety and feasibility of a novel transcatheter mitral valve system(Mi-thos valve)composed of a self-expanding frame and a bovine pericardial tissue bioprosthesis.Methods The valve was implanted in 26 sheep using a transapical approach for short-and long-term evaluation.The technical feasibility,safety,durability,and valve function were evaluated during and 6 months after the procedure using intracardiac and transthoracic echocardiography,multisliced computed tomography,histological analysis,and electron microscopy.Results The success rate of valve implantation was 100%,and the immediate survival rate after surgery was 84%.Five animals died within 90 min after the development of the prosthetic valve due to an acute left ventricular outflow tract obstruction(n=2)and sudden intraoperative ventricular fibrillation(n=3).Twelve animals died within 1 month due to acute left heart dysfunction.Mild(n=5)and moderate(n=2)paravalvular leakage occurred in seven animals,and two moderate PVL animals died of chronic heart failure within three months.Multimodality imaging studies of the remaining seven animals showed excellent function and alignment of the valves,with no coronary artery obstruction,no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction,no severe transvalvular gradients and no paravalvular leakage.Macroscopic evaluation demonstrated stable,secure positioning of the valve,with full endothelialization of the valve leaflets without injury to the ventricular or atrial walls.Histological and electron microscopic examinations at six months showed no obvious macro-or microcalcification in the leaflets.Conclusions Preclinical studies indicate that transcatheter implantation of the Mi-thos valve is technically safe and feasible.The durability,functionality,and lack of leaflet calcification were all verified in animal experiments.The information from these preclinical studies will be applied to patient selection criteria and the first-in-human studies.

Catheter-based intervention for symptomatic patient with severe mitral regurgitation and very poor left ventricular systolic function-Safe but no room for complacency

Many patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction have concomitant mitral regurgitation(MR). Their symptoms and prognosis worsen with increasing severity of MR. Percutaneous Mitra Clip&#174; can be used safely to reduce the severity of MR even in patients with advanced heart failure and is associated with improved symptoms, quality of life and exercise tolerance. However, a few patients with very poor left ventricular systolic function may experience significant haemodynamic disturbance in the peri-procedural period. We present three such patients, highlighting some of the potential problems encountered and discuss their possible pathophysiological mechanisms and safety measures.

One-year outcome of percutaneous mitral valve repair in patients with severe symptomatic mitral valve regurgitation

AIM To investigate one-year outcomes after percutaneous mitral valve repair with Mitra Clip~? in patients with severe mitral regurgitation(MR). METHODS Our study investigated consecutive patients with symptomatic severe MR who underwent Mitra Clip~?implantation at the University Hospital Bergmannsheil from 2012 to 2014. The primary study end-point was all-cause mortality. Secondary end-points were degree of MR and functional status after percutaneous mitral valve repair.RESULTS The study population consisted of 46 consecutive patients(mean logistic Euro SCORE 32% ± 21%). The degree of MR decreased significantly(severe MR before Mitra Clip~? 100% vs after Mitra Clip~? 13%; P < 0.001),and the NYHA functional classes improved(NYHA III/IV before Mitra Clip~? 98% vs after Mitra Clip~? 35%; P < 0.001). The mortality rates 30 d and one year after percutaneous mitral valve repair were 4.3% and 19.5%,respectively. During the follow-up of 473 ± 274 d,11 patients died(90% due to cardiovascular death). A preprocedural plasma B-type natriuretic peptide level > 817 pg/m L was associated with all-cause mortality(hazard ratio,6.074; 95%CI: 1.257-29.239; P = 0.012).CONCLUSION Percutaneous mitral valve repair with Mitra Clip~? has positive effects on hemodynamics and symptoms. Despite the study patients' multiple comorbidities and extremely high operative risk,one-year outcomes after Mitra Clip~? are favorable. Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide levels indicate poorer mid-term survival.

Impact of MitraClip Program on the Volume and Outcomes of Mitral Valve Surgery:A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Surgical repair has been the standard therapy for severe mitral regurgitation causing symptoms or left ventricular dysfunction.Percutaneous mitral valve repair has become an appealing alternative approach for patients who are not suitable for surgery.However,clinical trial data are not available on the institutional impact of a percutaneous mitral valve repair program on mitral valve surgery.The current study retrospectively evaluated the impact of the MitraClip program on the mitral valve surgery volume and outcomes.Patient data were retrieved from the 2 years before and the 2 years after initiation of the MitraClip program.The volume of MitraClip procedures increased from eight cases in 2015 to 91 cases in 2017.Since the initiation of the MitraClip program in 2015,the volume of both mitral valve replacement and mitral valve repair also increased(43 vs.60 and 110 vs.154,respectively).Importantly,we observed improved surgical outcomes,including fewer perioperative complications and lower operative mortality and in-hospital mortality.Data from our single-institution experience indicate that the introduction of the MitraClip program is associated with increased mitral valve surgery volume and improved outcomes.The establishment of the MitraClip program enables the hospital to provide higher quality of care and potentially become a referring center for structural heart patients.

CHANGES OF PLASMA DYNORPHIN LEVELS BEFORE AND AFTER PERCUTANEOUS BALLOON MITRAL COMMISSUROTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH MITRAL STENOSIS

Plasma dynorphin A1-13 levels were measured in 33 patients with mitral stenosis before and after percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy (PBMC). The results show that the basal levels of plasma dynorphin in blood from the antecubital vein in the patients were significantly higher than those in 31 healthy control subjects. The increase in circulating dynorphin closely correlated with the functional cardiac status and the presence of atrial fibrillation. Ten to fifteen minutes after PBMC, plasma dynorphin levels in blood from the femoral vein increased significantly. Seventy-two hours after the procedure, the levels of plasma dynorphin in blood from the antecubital vein had decreased significantly , but they did not decrease to the normal range. Plasma dynorphin levels in blood from the femoral vein were positively correlated with the mean left atrial pressure and the mean right atrial pressure before the first balloon inflation. Plasma dynorphin levels in blood from the antecubital vein were positively correlated with the heart rate and the mean transmitral pressure gradient, and negatively with the mitral valve area before and 72 hours after PBMC.

Predictors of persistence of functional mitral regurgitation after cardiac resynchronization therapy:Review of literature

Functional mitral regurgitation is a common finding among heart failure patients with ischemic and non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathies.The presence of moderate or severe mitral regurgitation is associated with higher morbidity and mortality.Heart failure patients meeting electrocardiogram and left ventricle function criteria are good candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy,which may reduce the degree of functional mitral regurgitation in the short and long term,specifically targeting myocardial dyssynchrony and inducing left ventricle reverse remodeling.In this article,we analyze data from the literature about predictors of mitral regurgitation improvement after cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation.

A Rare Case of Improved Mitral Regurgitation after the Inter-Atrial Septal Defect Created during an Unsuccessful Percutaneous Mitra-Clip Placement Attempt

Percutaneous mitral valve repair has shown to be a less-invasive treatment option for patients with symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with multiple comorbidities. We describe a case of improved mitral regurgitation due to improved atrial fibrillation secondary to left atrial pressure relief after the inter-atrial defect created during an unsuccessful mitraclip placement attempt. Transthoracic Echocardiogram that was performed on admission showed severe mitral valve regurgitation. She was not a surgical candidate due to multiple co-morbidities. Patient was then medically optimized and a percutaneous MitraClip placement (PMCP) was attempted but was unsuccessful due to excessive trans-mitral gradient and the procedure was aborted. However, left atrial pressure decreased, likely secondary to inter-atrial septal defect created by the procedure. Transesophageal echocardiogram performed post-op showed moderate and improved mitral regurgitation and sinus rhythm. Attempts to convert atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm to improve mitral regurgitation had to be made before continuing with a mitral clip placement procedure in our case. In our case, the procedure itself did not help patient’s symptoms, but the resulting acute atrial pressure relief improved mitral regurgitation overall due to left to right shunt from iASD, which also helped the rhythm.

Asymptomatic Mitral Regurgitation Caused by an Isolated Mitral Leaflet Cleft in a Young Adult: A Case Report

We report the case of an 18-year-old young man without previous medical history, who was referred for evaluation of an asymptomatic cardiac murmur. Physical examination found holosystolic 4-5/6 apical murmur with normal ECG. Bidimensionnal (2D) echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation with thin mitral leaflets. Three dimensional (3D) Echocardiography done for better assessment of mitral valve regurgitation mechanism revealed an isolated mitral leaflet cleft, without signs of endocarditis or traumatic lesion. Regarding the absence of symptoms and excellent maximal exercise tolerance at stress echocardiography, a repair surgery wasn’t offered. Isolated mitral leaflet cleft is a rare congenital anomaly, in adults, the cleft may be an incidental finding that remains asymptomatic for years when the leak is well tolerated. 2D combined with 3D echocardiography is key for diagnosis and surgery guidance.

“A Prospective Randomized Case-Control Study To Evaluate Mini Right Thoracotomy versus Conventional Sternotomy For Mitral Valve Repair In Rheumatic Heart Disease.”

Purpose: Right mini thoracotomy has been evaluated in many studies for mitral valve repair mainly in degenerative valvular disease but not in rheumatic heart disease. Mitral valve repair is more challenging in rheumatic etiology due to complexity of lesions. This prospective randomized case control study was designed to evaluate repair through mini right thoracotomy and to compare the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes with sternotomy in rheumatic patients. Methods: 25 patients of rheumatic heart disease underwent mitral valve repair through mini right thoracotomy (group I). Various clinical and functional parameters were compared with 25 patients of mitral valve repair through sternotomy (group II). On follow up the results were compared in both groups for clinical and echocardiographic parameters. Results: The various pre-operative demographic parameters were comparable in two groups. Equal rate of mitral valve repair (group I-21/25, 84% and group II-21/25, 84%) was achieved in both groups. The various intra-operative and post-operative clinical parameters were better in group I .There were equivalent functional and valve related outcomes in both groups in term of NYHA class (1.28 ± 0.613 vs 1.08 ± 0.276, P = 0.144), post-operative mitral valve area (2.43 ± 0.891 vs 2.82 ± 0.662, P = 0.090), incidence of more than mild mitral regurgitation (0) and mean pressure gradient across mitral valve (4.98 ± 3.33 vs 4.23 ± 1.5, P = 0.309). Conclusion: Mitral valve repair through mini right thoracotomy approach in rheumatic etiology is feasible and safe with equivalent rate of successful repair as compared to median sternotomy. It is associated with lesser morbidity, cosmetic advantage and lesser resource utilization.

The Optimal Suture Technique for Mitral Valve Replacement in an <i>Ex Vivo</i>Animal Model

Objective: This study compared and evaluated three suture methods in order to find the method with the best durability for mitral valve replacement. The methods evaluated are horizontal mattress suture with subanular pledgets, horizontal mattress suture with supraanular pledgets and continuous running suture. Methods: Thirty hearts were explanted from newly terminated pigs. The hearts were randomized in the three groups. After an atriotomy, the mitral valve was cut out, and a patch was sutured into its place. An air pump model was connected to a balloon which was placed in the left ventricle through aorta and continuously filled with air to a maximum of 300 mmHg. The peak pressure at rupture was noted. If no rupture occurred before reaching 300 mmHg, the suture was found competent. Results: Two out of ten hearts in the continuous running suture-group had myocardial rupture within a pressure of 300 mmHg. In the remaining eight hearts there were no ruptures within 300 mmHg. In the two groups sutured with horizontal mattress with pledgets placed either subanular or supraanular, no rupture of myocardium occurred. When comparing continuous running suture with the horizontal mattress with subanular pledgets or the horizontal mattress with supraanular pledgets, the 1-sided Fishers’ exact was 0.237. At 5% significance level, there was no difference between the three suture methods. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between the durability of the three suture methods, though rupture was only evident in the continuous running suture line. Since it is the surgeon’s choice to select the optimal suture technique, our study should be a reminder for the surgeon to reflect on the suturing factors that have an influence on successful mitral valve replacement.